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Opium is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. Narcotics like morphine are derived from opium, which has powerful mind-altering and pain-numbing effects. Within the United States, opium is considered a Schedule II controlled substance as it does have some medicinal use; however, it also has a very high risk for abuse, diversion, and addiction, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports.
Opium was first recorded as being cultivated in Southwest Asia in lower Mesopotamia in 3400 BC when the Sumerians referred to opium as the “joy plant,” the DEA Museum publishes. Opium growth, cultivation, and use spread quickly along the Silk Road, making its way through the Mediterranean into Asia and then all the way to China. The Opium Wars of the 1800s and subsequent Chinese immigration brought opium to the US where opium dens (places where people could buy, sell, and smoke opium) sprung up. Opium poppy plants thrive in warm and dry climates, and today, much of the opium grown in the world comes from the Middle East, although it is also grown in Latin America as well.
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive drug synthesized from morphine, which is extracted directly from opium resin. There are hundreds of opium derivatives that fall into the category of opioid drugs, which are common drugs of abuse and also highly addictive in nature. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that around the world 26.4-36 million people abuse opioid drugs.
As a powerful central nervous system depressant, opium lowers anxiety, dulls pain sensations, and slows respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate, while producing a euphoric and relaxing “high” that is similar to the effects of heroin. When individuals are under the influence of opium, they may appear to be “on the nod,” cycling between being conscious and unconscious. Movements may be sluggish, and motor control is impaired. Dry mouth, skin flushing, and constipation are additional side effects of opium use.
Opium also disrupts normal brain functioning, making it difficult to think clearly and make sound decisions. A person may then take bigger risks than normal when using opium and act in ways that are out of character.
People may think that because opium is a natural substance, coming from a plant, it is not as dangerous as other drugs. This is not the case, however, as opium carries a high risk for physical and psychological dependence, overdose, and addiction; these dangers increase with long-term regular use.
The CDC warns that over 33,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2015. Opioid overdose is often reversible with the rapid administration of an opioid antagonist such as naloxone (Narcan). The antagonist binds to opioid receptors in the brain and essentially “kicks off” the opium in order to reverse its effects. During an opium overdose, the brain can be deprived of oxygen, which can result in brain damage that may not be entirely recoverable, however. The sooner the antidote is administered, the better the odds that the damage can be overturned.
When opium is mixed with other drugs, the side effects may be amplified. As a result, it may be more difficult to reverse an overdose when polydrug use is present, sometimes requiring multiple doses of the antagonist to do so.
In addition to the risk for overdose, opium abuse can have various negative side effects. Opium disrupts the way the muscles in the bowels work, which can cause constipation. It can also dry out the mucus membranes in the nose as well as cause dry mouth.
The way a person takes opium can result in specific risk factors as well. For example, smoking opium can lead to lung and respiratory issues and infections, while ingesting it may cause stomach ulcers. Injecting opium can lead to skin infections and collapsed veins, and raise the odds for contracting an infectious disease like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis when unsanitary needles are shared.
NIDA warns that heroin use (and therefore also opium abuse) can cause kidney, liver, and lung complications when used long-term. It can also result in infections around the lining of the heart and its valves, and also potential skin abscesses. Opium also causes physical and psychological dependence when taken regularly.
As the brain becomes physically dependent on the presence of opium to keep moving its neurotransmitters around, significant withdrawal symptoms can occur when opium isn’t active in the bloodstream. Opioid withdrawal can be intense, and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) publishes that it generally begins within about 12 hours after the last dose of an opioid drug. In addition to the above symptoms, opium withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, sweating, diarrhea, goosebumps, increased tearing, runny nose, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and yawning.
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 2-3 days and then begin to taper off. Overall, the majority of withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week while insomnia, depression, and drug cravings may continue for a bit longer.
Stopping opium use cold turkey is not usually recommended when a person is physically dependent on it, as the flu-like physical and emotional symptoms can be difficult to endure. Addiction is often a side effect of chronic opium use, as regular use can quickly lead to compulsive use and a loss of control over the ability to regulate how much of the drug is taken at a time and how often.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reports that over 2.5 million people battled opioid addiction in the United States in 2015. Addiction represents an inability to stop taking the drug despite the desire or attempts to do so. It is considered a brain disease that can be managed with professional treatment.
Replacement opioid agonist drugs like buprenorphine or methadone are often helpful in the treatment of opioid addiction as they are long-acting agonists that can be taken less often to keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms to a minimum. These, too, can be tapered off slowly over time.
Opium addiction is often treated with behavioral therapies in either an outpatient or residential capacity. The type of treatment model preferred will depend on a person’s specific needs and will vary from person to person. A detailed assessment is generally performed by a highly trained professional prior to admission into a program in order to ensure the right fit.
Both outpatient and residential addiction treatment models include therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention programs. Group and individual therapy sessions can help clients to modify potentially self-destructive behavior patterns and improve self-reliance and self-esteem. Triggers that may induce cravings or raise stress levels are explored, and new coping mechanisms are learned. Families and individuals may attend therapy as well, which can help to enhance communication and improve the workings of the family unit overall. Any potential co-occurring disorders should also be managed and treated through integrated methods during opium addiction treatment.
Support groups are a great way of connecting peers with similar circumstances in order to provide encouragement and help to prevent relapse. Clients generally begin attending 12-Step or peer support meetings during treatment and continue attending them once they successfully complete a rehab program.
Complementary treatment methods, such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, art therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, fitness programs, and nutrition management, can all be included in an opium addiction treatment program. Each program should be specifically tailored to the person receiving care to improve recovery and overall health and happiness on a long-term basis.
